Reducing Knee Pain and Swelling

Many treatments can help reduce pain and swelling in your knee. Your doctor or physical therapist may suggest one or more of the following treatments.

• Icing your knee helps reduce swelling. You may be asked to ice your knee once a day or more.

• Keeping your leg raised above your heart helps excess fluid flow out of your knee joint. This reduces swelling.

• Compression means wrapping an elastic bandage or neoprene sleeve snugly around your knees. This keeps fluid from collecting in your knee joint.

• Electrical stimulation can help reduce excess fluid in your knee joint.

• Anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed by your doctor. You may take pills or receive injections in your knee.

• Isometric (contracting) exercises strengthen the muscles that support your knee joint. They also help reduce excess fluid in your knee.

• Massage helps fluid drain away from your knee.